The number of crossovers and SUVs on the UK’s roads has risen dramatically in recent years, with buyers now having more choice than ever.
But picking the right model can be surprisingly tricky, with plenty of choices available to suit most budgets.
To help with this, we’ve chosen 10 of our favourite models available for under £30,000…
BMW X1
While £30,000 is a budget that doesn’t stretch as far towards a new car as you might think, you’re still able to get a number of premium offerings for £30,000.
And one of these is the latest BMW X1, which was freshly facelifted last year with a more upmarket look. The £30,000 budget will limit you to the sDrive18i model, which features a 138bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine in SE trim. But this still gets 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and an 8.8-inch touchscreen.
MG ZS EV
The number of all-electric crossovers available to buy today is still limited, and the only one currently available for under £30,000 is the excellent MG ZS EV.
Unveiled with a pledge to make electric cars affordable, MG is doing that with its spacious, compact and well-equipped ZS EV, which costs from as little as £22,495 once the government’s electric car grant and MG’s own discount have been taken into account. Its 44kWh battery also means it can travel a claimed 163 miles on a full charge.
Citroen C5 Aircross
If you’re looking for a comfortable family SUV at an affordable price, there are not many better options on sale than the Citroen C5 Aircross.
The funky and spacious model is the French brand’s largest crossover and it’s also great value for money. The £30,000 budget will even stretch to a top-spec Flair Plus version, which comes as standard with a large panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and an electric tailgate.
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is now comfortably Hyundai’s most popular new car in the UK, and for good reason as it’s spacious, well-equipped and roomy enough for most family demands.
Prices start from just £22,310, with this £30,000 budget extending to most versions in the line-up, but the sporty-looking N-Line grade is our pick of the line-up. The diesel engines also come as standard with mild-hybrid technology, which helps to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Ford Puma
It’s a busy year for Ford in 2020 as the brand is launching its all-new Kuga (one of its most popular new cars) as well as the electric Mustang Mach-E. But a model that’s already on sale is the all-new Puma.
It’s Ford’s latest crossover, which is based on the Fiesta and manages to be both great to drive, impressively spacious and innovative thanks to its mild-hybrid powertrains. Prices for the new Puma start from £20,545, with even entry-level models getting luxuries like massaging seats.
Skoda Kodiaq
A £30,000 budget won’t get you many seven-seat SUVs, but one it will get you is the excellent Skoda Kodiaq. This model is absolutely vast, with all versions minus selected SE models coming as standard with seven seats that can even seat adults.
Prices for the seven-seat Kodiaq start from just £27,125 for a model equipped with the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine. A lengthy list of standard kit is also fitted, with highlights including 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and an eight-inch touchscreen.
Seat Ateca
Seat has quickly expanded its crossover and SUV line-up in recent years, and that is all down to the success of the Seat Ateca, which shares its underpinnings with the also excellent Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Karoq.
However, as the Seat adds additional flair and a sportier driving experience, it’s our pick of the trio, with prices also starting from an affordable £22,995.
Honda CR-V
If you value comfort and a relaxing driving, the Honda CR-V is an excellent choice. With prices starting from £26,940, it’s also an attractively priced model that comes laden with driver assistance technology to help keep you and your family safe.
It is also available with a hybrid powertrain, though this is narrowly more expensive than this budget – costing from £30,130.
Peugeot 3008
Peugeot’s models have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and it’s the current 3008 crossover that helped to establish this success.
The model’s unique styling as well as classy interior have helped to elevate the 3008 further into the premium territory, while a range of efficient engines and a spacious boot add to this Peugeot’s appeal. Prices start from £25,865, though this budget will also stretch to the sportier looking GT Line version.
Volvo XC40
Last but not least on this list if the Volvo XC40 – a model that rivals the BMW X1 that’s known for its stand-out interior, premium image and impressive safety record.
While a £30,000 budget will limit you to a version in entry-level Momentum trim with a 161bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, this model still gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a digital driver’s display and LED headlights.